Our summer Sunday steam hauled train follows the route of Brunel’s picturesque Great Western Railway, speeding across the Somerset levels and around the beautiful Devon coastline on one of the most enchanting railway journeys in the world. A day out in our heritage carriages, with slam doors and opening windows, is a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy a rail journey from a bygone era when steam was king and everyone travelled to their summer holiday on the English Riviera aboard a train.

Pamper yourself and travel in Premier Dining where you will be served a glass of Buck’s Fizz before your full English breakfast. On the homeward journey you will have a glass of Champagne, a four course dinner, followed by coffee (or tea) and chocolates. The catering on the train is by Frying Scotsman Catering Services led by Alan ‘Dutch’ Holland, whose extensive experience includes working on the Royal trains.

Destinations

2017 Prices

Discounts

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Paignton - Spend a break of up to five hours enjoying a relaxed time in this seaside resort where you can take a dip in the sea on the magnificent sea front; try the arcades or ice cream parlours.

Dartmouth - Alight at Kingswear and take the ferry (included in the ticket price) across the River Dart to spend four hours exploring this picturesque and historic town. Local attractions include:• The nearby National Trust properties of Greenway House (former home of Agatha Christie)• Coleton Fishacre (the former country home of the D'Oyly Carte family)• The Britannia Royal Naval College (giving an insight into the Royal Navy)• Dartmouth Castle• Cruises on the River Dart (including aboard paddle steamer Kingswear Castle - the last remaining coal-fired paddle steamer in operation in the UK today

Last passenger pick-up on both routes is Taunton. Sadly, because of time constraints Premier Dining is not available to passengers boarding here.

Departure from Bristol Temple Meads is at approximately 08:00 or 09:15 (depending on the route) on its scenic journey to the West and the spectacular coastal route skirting Torquay. Arrival back in Bristol is at about either 20:10 or 20:55.

2016 PRICES HELD FOR 2017

Premier dining £239 per person includes at seat silver service dining: a glass of Buck's Fizz after morning departure, a hearty English breakfast, and on the return journey, a glass of champagne, followed by a four course dinner with coffee and chocolates.

We are able to cater for most special dietary requirements as long as we are given sufficient notice, preferably at the time of booking.

First Class Plus £159 per person includes a complimentary service of coffee and tea with a selection of pastries on the outward journey and a Devon cream Tea on the return.

Discount of £20 for parties of four booked at the same time (N.B. not family tickets).

If you are arranging a booking for larger group (ten plus) please contact the Booking Office on 01453 835414 / 834477 (open Monday to Friday 09:15 to 16:45).

Passengers who book a cruise on the paddle steamer 'Kingswear Castle' direct with the operators can claim 10% discount.

Book with Confidence; The Torbay Expresses are running in 2017!

We take the safety of our customers very seriously indeed and insist that the Train Operating Companies we select for our excursions take this matter as seriously as we do. Thus we engage only reputable Train Operating Companies with a proven record of safety and reliability.

The Torbay Express is operated by trusted Train Operating Company DB Schenker, whose reputation is second to none as befits a respected international company with a long history. Bookings can be made in the knowledge that each train will run to the highest industry standards, with your safety and welfare as an absolute priority.

Here is some footage of the first Torbay Express of 2015 and some of summer 2014: